Mayor Foxx says Charlotte is ready for DNC spotlight

Now, with it just 14 days away, Foxx said he's eager for Charlotte to get the spotlight.

“People understand this is a big moment for our city,” he said.

“Is Charlotte ready?” Eyewitness News anchor Blair Miller asked.

“Oh my goodness, Charlotte has been ready,” Foxx said.

Beyond the fanfare that comes with thousands of delegates and media that will arrive late next week, Foxx said he's already seeing the benefits of being a host city -- specifically, more companies now considering to relocate here.

“Folks want to be connected to a place that's on the uptick, and I think the sense is that Charlotte is on the uptick,” Foxx said. “Otherwise, we wouldn't be hosting an event like this.”

At any convention, traditionally, the mayor of the host city gives the welcome speech. Officially, Foxx hasn't been asked yet.

“Do you expect that?” Miller asked.

“Well, I hope so and we'll see,” Foxx said.

He added: “I think if history holds up, I'll have an opportunity to say a few words.”

That would likely only push Foxx's political star even higher.

“This will be Foxx's opportunity for both national and international exposure. He needs to make sure that the convention goes off without a hitch,” said political analyst Michael Bitzer.

And the mayor is banking on it.

“People across the world, when you say ‘Charlotte’ or ‘North Carolina,’ they're going to know what that means in the way that you and I do,” Foxx said.